Help on the way for homeless with cold weather coming

With colder weather coming, volunteers are making sure homeless have blankets and access to shelter

November 12, 2013 10:15:30 AM PST

HOUSTON --

With freezing temperatures expected, efforts to help Houston's homeless are kicking into overdrive. Star of Hope is sending out vans twice during the day to distribute coats and blankets.

Near-freezing temperatures are expected overnight, with wind chills in the 20s, causing concern for those living on the streets. Some of the homeless who spoke with us say they have made their homes in parking lots and parking garages, and they will gladly accept the coats and blankets.

Ronald McAfee, who lives in a warehouse, told Eyewitness News, "I have one set of clothes and I have two or three blankets. I'll wrap up and I can survive. I got to live like that until I can do better, you know. That's better than doing wrong, stealing and all that -- I don't do that. I just hope for some help."

"The Hope in Action van will be going out tonight," said Star of Hope spokesperson Scott Arthur. "About 2,000 homeless men and some women are out there. We'll find them on street corners, under bridges and in wooded areas where we know they congregate and let them know that it's going to be cold tonight. We'll give them an opportunity to get into the van and come and get shelter. It's not just for one night, but they can stay with us for up to a year."

Star of Hope also offers job search and educational assistance.

Donations of coats and blankets can be taken to any Star of Hope location around Houston.